First Cathay flight from Hong Kong arrives in Tel Aviv
Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s leading airlines has inaugurated a new route today between Tel Aviv and Hong Kong.
The company will operate four direct weekly flights in an Airbus 350, with prices starting at US$1049 for economy class, US$1996 for premium economy and US$3993 for business class.
Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said: “The Tourism Ministry has set as its target to bring new direct routes into Israel with incoming tourists. I welcome the decision by Cathay Pacific to open this new route into Israel today and I am pleased to welcome and host the Cathay Pacific representatives in Israel. Cathay Pacific joins the wave of new airline companies operating in Israel. Just recently, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Hainan Airlines and Air India all announced the opening of new routes into Israel. The opening of this route will bring an additional increase in incoming tourism from China to Israel and the Far East, and will join the exceptional marketing efforts that we are implementing, efforts that have already led to a 25% increase in incoming tourism this year. “
The company is using the environmentally-friendly 280 seat Airbus A350 for the first time in Israel, with 214 economy class, 28 premium economy and 38 business seats.
A special departure ceremony for Flight CX676, the return journey to Hong Kong, took place later in the day. Hosted by Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Development and IT Paul Loo, the celebration event included the participation of Tourism Minister Yariv Levin and Transport Minister Israel Katz. Mr Sagi Karni, Consul General of the State of Israel in Hong Kong also flew in on the first flight from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv to join the celebration.
Cathay Pacific will operate four weekly flights from Tel Aviv, departing at 13:50 on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and arriving at 05:10 the following day. The four flights from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv, departing at 01:00 on the same days, arriving at 07:40. The flight from Tel Aviv is 10 hours 20 minutes long, while the flight from Hong Kong is 11 hours 40 minutes. Passengers with connections to onward flights from Hong Kong can check in their luggage for their final destination in Tel Aviv.
Originally launched as a four-times-weekly service, Mr Loo said the strength of advance bookings on the route has prompted Cathay Pacific to increase frequency to five times per week from 1 September to 17 November 2017.
The plane boasts state-of-the-art features such as lie-flat seats, varied menu, WIFI, advanced entertainment system, panoramic windows, lights that change colour in line with the flight’s progress, personal HD screens and optimal cabin temperature to minimise fatigue.
Jonathan Bailey , director of Cathay Pacific in Israel: “We are very excited to launch the Cathay Pacific direct route between Tel Aviv and Hong Kong today which will operate an A350 Airbus, offering a unique and pampering flight experience.”
Company representatives believe that the new route will significantly increase the numbers of tourists arriving from the Far East, as well as Israelis travelling to Hong Kong and beyond.
Cathay Pacific, which operates one of the youngest long-haul fleets in the world, believes that travelling well is an important part of living well, and passengers can be assured of a premium experience onboard the A350. The environmentally-friendly aircraft is equipped with the airline’s latest cabin products, an enhanced inflight entertainment system and Wi-Fi connectivity in Business, Premium Economy and Economy classes.
